With stage lights flashing and heavy metal blaring in the background, the Kia Track'ster rolled onstage at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show with plenty of rock star attitude. That's no easy feat, considering the chunky little 2-door is based on the cute and cuddly Soul wagon. We'd forgotten the original 5-door Soul was supposed to resemble a wild boar wearing a backpack. According to Kia, the Track'ster is meant to look like a bulldog.

The design comparison is strange, but the Track'ster remains one cool and potent little machine. A larger and lower front intake helps feed the 250-bhp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Carbon fiber valances are a slick way to keep weight low, and 6-piston front calipers are serious hardware for a vehicle endorsed by dancing hamsters.